Secret Service Tracks Former FBI Director James Comey After Controversial Trump Post

Following a controversial Instagram post in May by former FBI Director James Comey, in which seashells were arranged to spell '86 47'—a phrase interpreted by many as a call to 'take out' President Donald Trump—the Secret Service initiated an intense surveillance operation. Comey and his wife were tracked by law enforcement in unmarked cars from their vacation spot in North Carolina to their Virginia home, with federal agents also monitoring Comey's cellphone. This level of scrutiny, typically reserved for serious threats, culminated in federal authorities being stationed at Comey's residence awaiting his return, after which he was interviewed and assured the Secret Service that he posed no threat. Comey later deleted the post and stated he was unaware of the violent connotation associated with the phrase, emphasizing his opposition to violence. The incident highlights the ongoing contentious relationship between President Trump and Comey, with Trump having fired Comey during his first term and calling him dishonest, while also commenting on a separate criminal investigation involving Comey. The Secret Service's actions underscore the seriousness with which threats against the president are treated, regardless of the individual's previous status or intent.